Hosts 4th quarterly meeting for representatives of business councils and groups

Meeting stresses on the Chambers role of a conduit between the public and private sectors Dubai-UAE As part of its quarterly meetings with the emirates business community the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently hosted the 4 th quarterly roundtable meeting of 2014 with representatives of the Business Councils and Groups operating under its umbrella The meeting was organised as part of the Chambers mission to represent support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai Also with its objective of reinforcing two-way communication with all its stakeholders the last quarterly meeting of the year 2014 discussed challenges and issues faced by the business community It also exchanged views on the latest economic developments debated solutions to the obstacles that limit business activities while preparing recommendations to be put forth to the relevant government authorities During the meeting the participants spoke about some of the major challenges facing their businesses most notably the acquisition of funds for the small and medium enterprises and the means to curb rising costs of operating their businesses Stressing on the importance of strengthening the existing partnership between the public and private sectors Mr Atiq Juma Nasib Senior Vice-President Commercial Services Sector Dubai Chamber insisted that this partnership is one of the pillars of Dubais economic success He added that in order to enhance the competitiveness of the emirates business community the Dubai Government provides them with the highest international standard services which ultimately boost their confidence in Dubais lucrative investment environment Informing about Dubai Chamber members monthly exports and re-exports in November Mr Nasib added that these reached AED 232 billion showing a year-on-year growth of 11 compared to November 2013 and a monthly growth of 6 in comparison to October 2014 which clearly show the growth of the trade sector and the opportunities it offers to the business community On a query by the representatives of the Business Councils and Groups about the Chambers expansion strategy in promising markets Mr Nasib informed them about the upcoming destinations trade missions and the launch of the smart application Africa Gateway which highlights the investment opportunities in the African continent On their part the representatives of the Business Councils and Groups lauded Dubai Chambers support to the private sector by providing them better business opportunities as also by reaching out to new markets and encouraging an open forum to discuss issues which ultimately helps in enhancing the competitiveness of Dubai businesses Initiated by Dubai Chamber in early 2009 these quarterly roundtable meetings with the business councils and groups leads to enhanced two-way communication while encouraging its members to network catch up and compare their progress throughout the course of the previous quarters These gatherings also provide the Chambers stakeholders a platform to put across any issues or challenges faced by their sectors which are promptly conveyed to the concerned government authorities for action